Trivial discussion: '67-'69 Barracuda: Fastback vs. Notchback- your opinion?

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MRGTX

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Yep. This thread will be full of pure opinions...but it has been on my mind for a while so I'd love to hear what you guys are thinking these days.

I think it's safe to say that the majority of us here are fans of the '67-'69 Barracuda in all three body styles. Recently, it seems that the notchback Barracudas from this generation have been gaining a bit more affection from the community. I wonder if the opinion might be evolving as cars are collected and continue to become rarer all the time and folks start to look at the "lower" models with fresh eyes.

So the fastback was higher trim level, correct? Unlike the competitor Mustang Coupes vs. Mustang fastbacks, where one body style is classic and beautiful (fastback) and one looks very down-market by comparison (coupe/notch)... the Barracuda manages to look comparably elegant and beautiful in both versions (in my opinion). Yes, one was considered to be a higher model but 50 years later, I personally find it hard to see it that way.

To those of you guys who were around back then, how were these models regarded back in their day?

How do the body styles compare for weight, balance, rigidity?
Are there significant differences in aerodynamic stability?
Are there differences that go beyond the sheet metal above the fenders/trunk?
Were some drivetrain combinations only available in the fastback but not in the notch?
Was it possible to load up a notchback with the same trim level as the fastback?

Any thoughts, opinions welcome.
 
I might be a little bias to the fastback. I just love the way it looks. I also love the fold down rear seat. And big wide tires under it just makes it look like a whole different car.However, I sure wouldn't mind having a coupe to keep my FB company.lol
 
Neither body style was a lower trim level. Fully loaded notch backs were built. Any level of trim was available on all.
I guess we can assume more fast backs were built with V8, big blocks, manual 4 speed, and without options like power steering, power brakes, a/c , simply because they have "fast" in their genre. Thus more notchbacks were built with slant 6 and all those creature comforts? We know similar fastbacks were also built. Those not so "fast" fastbacks. LOL
The convertibles were no different. Everything from very base to fully loaded Formula S.
I personally never cared much for any fastback body, B'cuda, Mustang, whatever. Their large expandable inside storage area was for pinic baskets, etc.., that might overheat in a trunk?
Since all first generation B'cudas were fastback and e-body is what it is, the notchback being only 3 years stands out in certain crowds whether its liked or not.
 
I have to vote for the fastbacks. When I was a kid I seen my first 68 HEMI barracuda. Loved them ever since. I guess that's why I own a 69 big block barracuda.
 
I was never a fan of the BC fastback. I never knew they built a coupe until I saw the one I bought.
I guess my car states my vote.
 
I have had both, but to me the coupes look like something is missing.

The fold down seat & rear trunk compartment door are also useful for parts hauling.
 
Definitely Fastback ...............
MOPARS  SUMMER 2015 009.JPG
 
67 Fastback. IMO the notch looks goofy with the big trunk.
 
I like the fastbacks, but prefer the notch. Reason,.... When I was somewhere around 8 years old, a kid down the street had one and kept doing burnouts around the neighborhood. What can I say,.... as an 8 year old, I thought it was cool and have liked them ever since. Other neighbor right next to us had an orange 70 dart swinger, so I have a soft spot for them as well! :)
 
Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback, Fastback. Oh, did I mention Fastback.
Cuda 50.JPG
 
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